The Magic of Calvin and Hobbes – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we discuss the first title character, Calvin. Where did he come from and what makes him tick? We'll discuss his origin both in and out of the strip, his personality, and of course the strips that bring these traits to life.

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

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Come join us to celebrate 40 years of Calvin and Hobbes, starting November 18, 2025! We'll release 40 episodes about the world's greatest comic strip, with topics ranging from dinosaurs to philosophy!

Note: we are not affiliated with Bill Watterson or his syndicate, we are just a couple of superfans having a blast talking about our favorite comic. We hope you'll come explore with us!

In this episode we discuss Calvin's best buddy in the whole world, Hobbes. Who is Hobbes? And what is Hobbes? Is he a real tiger, or a stuffed animal? Or does it even matter? Come join us as we discuss these and other topics about our favorite tiger!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

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We hope you'll join us!

In this episode we discuss the four S's: Sledding, Snowmen (and snow art), Snowballs, and Shoveling. Come join us to hear about Rigor Mortis Ridge, the virtues of anatomically correct snowmen, and the recipe for the perfect snowball!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

In this episode we are joined by guest Nevin Martell, author of "Looking for Calvin and Hobbes." We have a meandering discussion mostly centered on Calvin's relationship with food: Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs, squid eyeball sandwiches, stewed monkey heads, etc. Join us as we discuss these and other topics!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

There's no better toy than a cardboard box. Calvin loved to make fantastic inventions out of his big box, and this episode we discuss the transmogrifier- including its later incarnation as the transmogrifier gun. We also briefly look at another cardboard box invention, so come join us to hear all about it!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

No other comic did Sunday strips quite like Calvin and Hobbes. They were such an important aspect of the strip that there are two books that feature only Sunday comics, Bill Watterson wrote an entire essay about them, and they became a driving force in the later years of the comic. Come join us as we talk about why these comics are so important to Calvin and Hobbes, and we highlight some of our favorites!

For this episode, it may be useful to view the Youtube version for a visual aid starting at ~23:00.

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

In this episode we discuss the girl down the street, the only major character in Calvin and Hobbes with both a first and a last name- Susie Derkins. Does Calvin like her? Does she like Calvin? What drives their dynamic? We'll take a look at all of that!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

In this longer episode we discuss all the Calvin and Hobbes books. Until the advent of the internet, the Calvin and Hobbes books were the only way to read the comics after their initial run in newspapers. There are 11 collections, 4 treasuries, and 3 commentary books, plus a few others including The Complete Calvin and Hobbes. Join us here to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Calvin and Hobbes books!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!

We hope you'll join us!

Merry Christmas everyone! As we all know, Calvin loves Christmas, mostly because it means he gets "loot." In this episode we explore his relationship with loot, Santa, Christmas trees, and more. Come join us!

Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.

We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.me

And you can join our Facebook page here!